Austria is located in southern Central Europe. Geographically, its territory encompasses both the Eastern Alps (which cover some two thirds of its surface area) and the Danube Region. Austria has a land surface of 83,858 square kilometres (32,369 square miles). Given its location, it has since time immemorial been a cross-roads of travel routes between the major European economic and cultural regions. Austria has common borders with eight other countries: Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

This European heartland combines a wide variety of landscapes, climatic conditions and flora. Austria's landscapes range from the peaks of the Alps to hill country and plains. The foothills of the Alps and the Carpathians, the Vienna Basin and the Austrian segment of the Pannonian Plain in the East are the principal areas of settlement and economic activity. Austria's highest mountain is the Grossglockner (3,797 metres / 12,530 feet). Its longest river is the Danube, which flows through Austria for a length of some 350 kilometres (200 miles).

Austria is located within a temperate climatic zone. In the west and northwest the influence of the temperate Atlantic climate is felt more strongly, in the east the influence of the continental climate. Precipitation levels vary significantly along a west-east axis and rise with altitude. The diversity of topographical and climatic conditions accounts for the country's abundant flora and fauna. Austria is one of Europe's most heavily wooded countries (46% of its surface area).

According to recent census data for 1998, Austria has 8.1 million inhabitants, of whom approx. 98% speak German. The six ethnic groups officially recognised in Austria are concentrated on the east and south of the country. In 1998, the average life expectancy for a new-born male stood at 74.3 years, for a new-born female at 80.7 years.

In terms of religious allegiances, 78% of Austrians are Roman Catholic, a further 5% Protestant (principally Augsburg Confession). Some 4.5% of the population belong to another faith, 9% belong to no religious group, and 3.5% did not respond. Austria travel information.

Austria Most Popular Attractions and Landmarks

Burgenland, Austria Place and Attractions The Road of the Castles, Burgenland, Austria
The Castles were originally built as some sort of fence against the Osmanic and Magyar threat from the east. The "Road of Castles" starts in mid-Burgenland and goes right down to the most southern place in eastern Styria.

Carinthia, Austria Place and Attractions
Carinthia is a state of Austria. It's known for its skiing areas, and its fantastic lakes. Minimundus, Carinthia, Austria
A miniature park on the Wörthersee at Klagenfurt in Carinthia, Austria. It displays around 150 miniature models of architecture from around the world, built at a ratio of 1:25. Since its opening in 1958, more than 15 million visitors have visited the 26,000 square meters park.

Lower Austria , Austria Place and Attractions Durnstein Castle, Lower Austria, Austria
The castle was called "Duerrstein" or "Dürrstein", from the German duerr/dürr meaning "dry" and Stein, "stone". The castle was dry because it was situated on a rocky hill, high above the damp conditions of the Danube at the base of the hill, and it was built of stone.

Upper Austria , Austria Place and Attractions Hallstätter Lake, Upper Austria , Austria
A lake in the Salzkammergut, Austria. Its surface is approximately 8.55 km² and its maximum depth is 125 metres. It is a popular destination for tourists, especially scuba divers.

Salzburg, Austria Place and Attractions Salzburg Festival, Salzburg, Austria
A prominent festival of music and drama. It is held each summer within the Austrian town of Salzburg, the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In modern time there is also an annual Salzburg Easter Festival held by the same organization.

Styria, Austria Place and Attractions Graz, Styria, Austria
Consider as a European Capital of Culture. It celebrated with massive cultural investment in new artistic venues. Today, cutting-edge architecture complements this former seat of the Hapsburgs and bedrock of the Holy Roman Empire.

Tyrol, Austria Place and Attractions Bruck Castle, Tyrol, Austria
Located on a hill close to the Hochstein, the local mountain of Lienz. It is located in a mixed forest. The name “Bruck” derives from the bridge at its foot.

Vienna, Austria Place and AttractionsAugustinian Church / AugustinerkircheA parish church located on Josefsplatz, next to the Hofburg, the winter palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Vienna. Originally built in the 14th century as the parish church of the imperial court of the Habsburgs, the harmonious Gothic interior was added in the 18th century.

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